Arizonans advised to avoid alcohol, caffeine amid blistering heat

Arizonans were advised to avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages for the next few days as “dangerous hot conditions” are expected to scorch some counties.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of central and southern Arizona from 10 a.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. Thursday MST. According to a forecast briefing, temperatures are expected to reach from 105 degrees to 112 degrees during the warning period.

The briefing advises residents living in the warning areas to stay indoors and avoid the sun. NWS officials also said to “drink water, more than usual, and avoid dehydrating alcoholic, sugary, or caffeinated drinks.”

Forecasters also suggested that residents “eat small meals and eat more often,” and keep an eye on neighbors more vulnerable to high temperatures, including small children and the elderly.

“If engaging in outdoor activity, take longer and more frequent breaks and avoid the hottest parts of the day,” the briefing read. “Never leave kids or pets unattended in cars.”

The warning impacts parts of Pinal and Maricopa counties as well as the Aguila Valley and the Tonopah Desert. A full list of cities under the warning can be found on the NWS briefing.

An excessive heat warning is the most severe alert issued by the NWS for high temperatures. During a warning period, heat indexes are expected to reach at least 105 degrees for at least two hours per day over consecutive days.

Forecasters said in the briefing Monday that it is important to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Signs of heat exhaustion can include moist and pale skin, headache, dizziness, weakness or nausea.

The most serious heat-related illness is heatstroke, according to the NWS, which could trigger permanent damage or death. Symptoms can include vomiting; confusion; headache; decreased alertness or loss of consciousness; a high body temperature; hot and dry skin; a rapid pulse; or rapid shallow breathing. Seizures are also possible.

Multiple temperature-related warnings were issued across swathes of the southwestern United States last week during the first heat wave of the season, including in parts of California, Texas, Nevada and southern Utah.

Many residents began feeling relief from the extreme temperatures by the weekend, although a heat advisory was still in effect for several cities in Texas and New Mexico on Saturday into Sunday, with highs forecast from 103 degrees to 105 degrees.